Former Minneapolis Police Chief, Tim Dolan, testified in favor of the bill, saying an assault weapon in the hands of a suspect gives them a major advantage over police due to their accuracy and how lethal they can be.

"Assault weapons are military weapons. They are weapons of war," the former chief said. "Police only have them today because they assailants are facing are armed with them in increasing numbers. They should not be in the hands of citizens."

A member of the National Rifle Association countered, calling the bill un-American.

"This firearm ban. It's failed policy," said Chris Rager. "It's been tried before. I think a lot of folks in this room legislators, Minnesotans, they want to work on real solutions."

The bill, similar to a federal law that expired in 2004, is sparking criticism over 2nd Amendment rights from opponents like Tim Jezierski of Two Harbors.

"It's not law enforcement's job to protect each one of us," Jezierski said. "It's our right under the constitution to protect ourselves through the second amendment and the use of these guns."